The Kirksville R-III School Board is hiring, with one of its members submitting a letter of resignation to pursue other employment options.

Board member Matt Copeland, elected in 2011 to a three-year term, submitted his formal letter of resignation last week, citing a “wish to serve the district in different ways.”

The School Board accepted the letter, reluctantly and “with regret,” as voiced by Board member Gay Nichting.

Superintendent Patrick Williams said Copeland was pursuing employment that would conflict with his duties as a Board member.

“There is an opportunity that has come up that would conflict with the Board,” Copeland said Thursday. He confirmed he has applied and been interviewed for a position within the Kirksville School District.

“I’m in decision-making mode right now,” he said.

The Board will now entertain nominations for Copeland’s replacement, who will finish out the remainder of his term until the next municipal election in April 2014.

Prospective candidates have until May 1 to submit an application at the Kirksville Administration Building with the Board scheduled to consider applicants at its May 8 meeting.

“We would encourage anyone in the community to apply,” Williams said.

Copeland had been recently elected Board vice president following the Municipal Election in April.